U.S. motorists tap out gas stations

Sales restrictions put on some drivers
By Jose Luis Jiménez
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

June 17, 2008

TIJUANA – U.S. drivers crossing into Mexico in search of cheaper gasoline and diesel fuel are straining supplies in Tijuana, gas station owners said.

Near the Otay Mesa border crossing, the owner of a Pemex station posted a letter near the cashier's booth explaining diesel will be sold only to frequent customers who have an account at the station. Pemex is Mexico's government-owned oil monopoly that supplies all of the nation's gasoline through franchise stations.

The note also explains that because of several factors, gasoline reserves are low and that distribution is being rationed to stations to extend the supply.

The Pemex plant at Rosarito Beach, which supplies stations across Baja California, does not expect another fuel shipment until the weekend, the owner wrote. The station does not expect another gasoline delivery until then.

A local gasoline dealers association has estimated that gasoline sales in Tijuana have risen by 25 percent for the first five months of 2008 compared with the same period last year. The group credits the increase to demand from California motorists.

Messages left with the dealers association and Pemex officials seeking comment were not returned yesterday.

Mexican government subsidies keep the fuel price lower than in the United States. A gallon of regular unleaded (87 octane) sells for $2.54, premium (91 octane) for $3.19 and diesel for $2.20.

With diesel selling for $5 or more per gallon in California, a driver filling up a 15-gallon tank south of the border can save about $40.

Gilberto Santana pulled into the gas station near the Otay Mesa crossing and was turned away. The Chula Vista resident said it was worth it to drive around the city searching for a station to fill up his older model BMW.
“I put about $30 in my pocket every time I fill up down here,â€